NEWSLETTER OF THE MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY
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www.mns.my MAY 2021 FIREFLIES MNS Conservation Unit PENCINTAALAM NEWSLETTER OF THE MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY There are over 2400 species of fireflies all over the world, but their existence is being threatened globally by major issues like habitat loss, light pollution, pesticide usage and various other threats which include irresponsible firefly watching practices. Since the formation of the IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group (FSG) in 2018, the fireflies for the first time, in March 2021, is included in the IUCN Red List, which shows the conservation status. Over here in Malaysia, we have the famous mangrove fireflies and other forest fireflies, many of which are not being studied or even named, as we have not many firefly researchers. The first assessment done was for the North American firefly species which you can find in the Red List website. Fireflies are generally site specific and not a long range flyer. The assessment reveals that 11% are threatened with extinction, 2% are near threatened, 33% are categorised as least concern, and more than half are data deficient, according to IUCN Red List criteria. The FSG will continue to assess other regional fireflies over the next four years. Continued on next page … Photo by Flash Dantz from Pexels.com Hopefully, a few of you out ther will become firefly experts to help the fireflies to continue shining in the night. Please note that New World fireflies and Old World fireflies are from totally different subfamilies.’ 1
Transcript of NEWSLETTER OF THE MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY
www.mns.my MAY 2021
FIREFLIESMNS Conservation Unit
PENCINTAALAMNEWSLETTER OF THE MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY
There are over 2400 species of fireflies all over the world, but
their existence is being threatened globally by major issues
like habitat loss, light pollution, pesticide usage and various
other threats which include irresponsible firefly watching
practices.
Since the formation of the IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group
(FSG) in 2018, the fireflies for the first time, in March 2021, is
included in the IUCN Red List, which shows the conservation
status.
Over here in Malaysia, we have the famous mangrove fireflies
and other forest fireflies, many of which are not being studied
or even named, as we have not many firefly researchers.
The first assessment done was for the North American firefly
species which you can find in the Red List website. Fireflies
are generally site specific and not a long range flyer.
The assessment reveals that 11% are threatened with
extinction, 2% are near threatened, 33% are categorised as
least concern, and more than half are data deficient, according
to IUCN Red List criteria. The FSG will continue to assess
other regional fireflies over the next four years. Continued on next page …
Photo by Flash Dantz from Pexels.com
Hopefully, a few of you out ther will become firefly experts to help the
fireflies to continue shining in the night. Please note that New World
fireflies and Old World fireflies are from totally different subfamilies.’
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BRANCH TENTATIVE
DATE
TENTATIVE VENUE TIME
Terengganu Branch 1 July 2021 (SAT) TBC TBC
Kelantan Branch 10 July 2021 (SAT) Kelantan Golf &
Country Club, Kota
Bharu
3pm
Johor Branch 17 July 2021 (SAT) Virtual Meeting via
Zoom
1.30pm
Melaka & Negeri
Sembilan Branch
17 July 2021 (SAT) Virtual Meeting via
Zoom
9am - 12 noon
Selangor Branch 17 July 2021 (SAT) TBC TBC
Kuching Branch 17 July 2021 (SAT) TBC TBC
MNS Branch AGMs 2021
Note: TBC = To be confirmed
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World Otter Day (WOD) was initiated by the International
Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) and has been celebrated
annually with a goal of raising awareness of the current
status of otters all around the world, and the threats they
are facing. It is a successful event where countries
around the globe organised events and activities to
educate the public and carry out fundraising. Although
otters can be found globally, the species are different in
every continent (except Antarctic). In addition, the hairy-
nosed otter is endemic to Southeast Asia. This year,
WOD will be celebrated on 26 May 2021.
There are 13 species of otters and all of them are listed in
the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Meanwhile in
Southeast Asia, Malaysia is among the countries with
the highest number of species per country with four
otter species - the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), Asian
small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), smooth-coated
otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) and the hairy-nosed otter
(Lutra sumatrana). The hairy-nosed otter is classified
as globally Endangered, while the Asian small-clawed
otter and smooth-coated otter are listed as Vulnerable,
and the Eurasian otter is listed as Near Threatened.
The MNS Otter Project was implemented in 2019 and
the Malaysia Otter Network (MON) was established in
2020 to promote the conservation of the four otter
species as the Wetland Ambassadors in Malaysia.
Thus, MNS and MON will hold joint annual events with
the other organisations around the world to celebrate
WOD. This year, we will be celebrate the otters in their
urban and natural wetlands by organising a series of
activities live on the MNS Zoom platform for two days.
On 27 May 2021, there will be a launch (2 pm – 2:30
pm), and international and local forums on otter
conservation (local forum at 2:30 pm – 4 pm;
international forum at 5 pm – 7 pm). On 28 May 2021,
there will be a live session with the otter in Taiping Zoo
(9 am – 10:30 am) and an otter talk for the MNS School
Nature Club (Kelab Pencinta Alam, KPA) (4 pm - 5 pm).
Stay tuned for more updates on all MNS media
platforms.
Poster was designed by Epikinono Studio
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Night Walk in EECArticle by Nabilah Rahman.
Photos by Nabilah Rahman & Miza Fadil.
A breathtaking path into the jungle; a new night walk trail was designed to be an
attraction for people visiting the ecoCare Environmental Education Centre (EEC).
Located in Kertih, Kemaman, Terengganu, the EEC has been known to be a home
of nature education for all ages, particularly on mangroves.
Various exciting activities are already present at the centre, such as mangrove
seeding, mangrove replanting and mangrove guided tour. The night walk trail,
however, works as an initiative to provide more adventurous activities for
ecoCare’s visitors. We provide a spacious area in the trail as a checkpoint where
activities like stargazing can be done during the trip.
This night walk does not just give our guests a break from the reality they probably
want to run from but presents an opportunity for an enjoyable educational outing
as well. Visitors will be introduced to plant species available, such as the acacia
and pandan, as well as get a chance to encounter the captivating fireflies. As the
trail is located very close to the mangrove forests, fireflies can be easily seen as
this small creature is commonly attracted to the mangrove species Avicennia.
It takes approximately 30 minutes to finish the guided walked. The most interesting
part is our trail is set with light reflective stickers to guide the participants
throughout the journey, so that they will not get lost in the darkness of the night. A
rope is also installed at certain checkpoints to ensure everyone’s safety.
Equipped with more than one Instagram-worthy spot for our lovely tourists and
visitors to take pictures, the new trail is meant to be an exciting learning
opportunity during their visit to EEC. We hope they will enjoy the experience and
we promise them a walk to remember.
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All events times and venues are correct at time of printing. For latest updates, contact the Special Interest Group or
check the MNS website regularly. Booking priority will be given to the organizing branch‘s members unless
stated otherwiseCalendar of Activities
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Continued on next page…
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MNS PG Group
Sekinchan Paddy Harvest &
Sunset Splendour5 June 2021
Saturday, 2pm to 9pm
Come to experience miles and miles of golden paddy fields and harvesting at
Sekinchan, the Rice-bowl of Selangor. Besides paddy and farmhouse, you could
also photograph sparrows and egrets.
Visit the Paddy Gallery at Lot No. 9990, Jalan Tali Air 5, Ban 2, 45400 Sekinchan.
After paying RM 5 per person (at your own cost), you are taken on a tour of the
museum to learn the planting, harvesting methods, equipment and various types
of rice.
Next, we are walking (no swimming) the beach at Pantai Redang Sekinchan. Children
will love the kite flying and blowing bubbles. Be creative with sunset photography.
Then enjoy a Seafood Dinner together.
Please send WhatsApp to Chang 016-332 7797 or Ms Reiko 012-221 6800 to
confirm participation and further updates including meeting point. Transport cost is
excluded; car- pooling is encouraged for the one and half hour journey. The fee is RM
30/pax including the Dinner. Participants limited to 18pax. We shall all observe strict
SOP. If the trip were to be cancelled due to Covid 19 measures beyond our control, it
will be refunded.
OPTIONAL :
We are planning for optional activity after dinner …
For one night photography of Milky Way galaxy. We could arrange homestay
type of accommodation and share the additional cost. More info will be given
later.
Continued on next page…
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Humans rely on the ecosystem services such as the supply of
clean air and water provided by healthy and biodiverse
ecosystems. The National Water Resources Study 2000-2050
warns that Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Penang, Perlis,
Putrajaya, and Selangor are at risk of water deficits, partly due to
the loss of vital water catchment areas, and partly due to poor
water management systems and habits.
The UN FAO reports that only 18.7% of forests in Malaysia is
classified as primary forest, the most biologically diverse and
carbon-dense ecosystem, and that only 11.6% of the forests in
Malaysia is classified as ‘pristine’.
Malaysia is rapidly losing forested areas to agriculture and
development, and state governments continue to degazette forest
reserves and issue logging permits with impunity. The requirement
that states gazette replacement sites for degazetted reserves does
nothing to turn the tide of biodiversity loss. States are running out
of suitable sites to gazette as replacement forest reserves, and
further, the gazettement of secondary forests and degraded land
cannot be a substitute for the protection of natural and intact
forests.
Google’s global forest map reveals that between 2000 and 2012,
Malaysia had the world’s highest deforestation rate at 14.4%.
Satellite data from the Carnegie Landsat Analysis System-lite
platform shows that over 80% of the rainforests in East Malaysia
have already been logged.
Between 2000 and 2009, over 9,000 hectares of Permanent
Forest Reserves were degazetted in Malaysia, threatening
watersheds and carbon sequesters, and destroying flora and
fauna including those classified as Critically Endangered on the
IUCN Red List. The degazettement of the Bikam Permanent
Forest Reserve in 2013 caused the extinction of the Keruing
Paya, a critically endangered hardwood tree, in Peninsular
Malaysia.
Continued on next page
GREEN LIVING COLUMN
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
BIODIVERSITY LOSS CAUSE
FOR ALARM
The recent report that a total of 567 plant species out of the 1,600
Peninsular Malaysia plant species assessed in the Malaysia Red List
have been classified as threatened should be a cause for alarm.
Malaysia’s tree cover, which stands at approximately 55.3%, obscures
the alarming reality of biodiversity loss in Malaysia, but the fact remains
that tree cover is not the same as natural forest cover. Most of
Malaysia’s tree cover consists of plantations and degraded forest land.
Plantations do not have the same biodiversity value and cannot provide
the same ecosystem services as natural forests. Intact and biodiverse
forests protect watersheds and water quality, are more resistant to fire
and drought, regulate climate and weather patterns, and provide habitat
for a wide range of flora and fauna.
Biodiversity ensures food security, as a biodiverse ecosystem will
provide genetic resources for a variety of food, including those that are
resistant to fungi and diseases that may wipe out cultivated strains of
crops. Keeping forests intact and biodiverse prevents wild species from
crossing into human habitation and spreading both known and new
diseases to domestic animals and humans, and thus protect biosecurity.
Approximately 50,000 to 70,000 plant species are used by humans for
traditional and modern medicine worldwide. Biodiversity loss will limit the
discovery of potential new medicines and medical treatments.
… Continued from previous page.
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… Continued from previous
page.
The best way to mitigate biodiversity loss is by protecting existing forests. One of the main problems why forest
conservation is so challenging in Malaysia is that the Federal Constitution gives states jurisdiction over their
land, water, and forests. Forestry revenue accrues to the state government and not to the federal government,
and as such, forests and extraction-based industries such as logging and mining are a major source of
revenue for state governments seeking short-term gain.
Government agencies set up to manage forests see forests not as sensitive ecosystems to be protected, but as
resources for socioeconomic development. However, the economic benefits of logging and mining are short-
lived and can sustain only 1-2 generations at most. State governments stand to lose more from the loss of
forests and the ecosystem services they provide. Droughts, floods, soil erosion, landslides, and health crises
such as dengue and malaria outbreaks will all cost the state and federal governments more in the long run. We
need to stop relying on commodity crops and extraction-based industries as our primary source of revenue. If
we build a knowledge and skills-based economy and stop relying on monoculture crops and extraction-based
industries as our country’s primary source of revenue and jobs, we can find better ways of sustaining our
economy.
We need to rid ourselves of the mentality that the loss of threatened tree species does not affect us, or that it
can be rectified through tree-planting campaigns and gazetting degraded land as replacement forest reserves.
Tree- planting campaigns, habitat restoration, the setting up of seed banks, and environmental education for the
younger generation, all take time to bear results. And time is a luxury that threatened species do not have.
Biodiversity is not merely something that is nice to have, but essential to the survival of humanity and a
living planet.
WONG EE LYNN
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ECO KIDS
Let’snot forget to beeco-friendly during the festive season!
Ramadan Bazaar Reminders
1. Bring your tiffins, reusable food containers, cloth bags, and thermos tothe ramadan bazaars.
2. Reject disposable straws and plastic utensils. Use your reusable strawsand utensils from home instead. Little changes can make a difference!
3. Do your best not to buy any kuihs or snacks that are pre-packed intoplastic containers. As hard as it seems to abandon your favorite kuih,take a self-control challenge not to buy it. Try looking for stalls thatdon’t sell kuih pre-packed in plastic.
4. It is not just about plastic! Food waste does not do good to the environment as well. When you are hungry, it can be quite hard to not over-buy food. If you feel that you can’t estimate how much you are going to eat, try buying food that can be kept and eaten tomorrow. But watch out, make sure you don’t have so much leftover to keep that it can’t fit in your fridge!
5. This might seem like an out of the way reminder, but it is also important. Ramadan bazaars can be quite hot, so remember to bring a handkerchief along to wipe your sweat.
6. Final crazy out of the way reminder: with these many things to remember, you might want to write a list. And if you write a list, remember to use both sides of the paper or use a receipt or a scrap paper that still has space for a list or an opened envelope, the options never end.
Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels.com
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Hari RayaReminders ForTheEco KidsBy Ng Zhang Hui
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Hari Raya Reminders
1. Encourage your friends and family to give out green packets that don’t have “single use greetings” (such as green packets with a year printed on it) so you can reuse your green packets.
2. Make sure you buy/get the green packets you only need! I find that withrestaurants, banks and malls giving away free green packets, I commonlyfind myself with way too many green packets!
3.This might be one of the hardest eco-friendly things to do, try not to buy Hari Raya cookies that will come in disposable containers, unless you have an idea on how to reuse them. Try baking your own cookies to lessen the use of disposable containers. Cookie ideas here: https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/food/dessert-recipes/bake-
cookies-hari-raya-weekend/4. Reuse your Hari Raya decorations! Like the green packets, try to
purchase any decorations which do not have a year printed on it.5. Upcycle or re-wear your Hari Raya clothes! I like upcycling my clothes.
As it gives it a ‘new clothes’ feeling. However, upcycling your clothes commonly needs a sewing machine. If you don’t have one, you might have to opt for re-wearing your last year Hari Raya clothes. Try wearing your past year clothing in a different way instead of upcycling. Here are some tips on upcycling your clothes: https://brightly.eco/6-easy-ways-to-
upcycle-old-clothes/ . Tips on re-wearing your clothing differently: https://www.insider.com/repeating-outfits-without-anyone-knowing-2018-12#experiment-with-unconventional-ways-of-wearing-an-item-96. A final reminder to wear cloth masks when celebrating Hari Raya. Stay
safe eco kids!
Remember to apply eco friendly tips everywhere, there are more places to be eco friendly than you think. Good luck eco kids!
Photo source: https://www.carousell.com.my/p/green-packet-
raya-packets-163976877/
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Kuala Selangor Nature Park, a public park managed by
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), has been affected by
the reimplementation of Conditional Movement Control
Order (CMCO). All services and facilities are currently
suspended - no walk-in visitors, activities nor overnight
sleeps are allowed during this period. We strive to ensure
the health and safety of our visitors, employees and
volunteers.
The establishment of the park is one of MNS’s effort to
ensure overall balance between ecosystem, safety,
livelihood and food chain (seafood supply for humans and
animals alike).
As we are continuously forced to remain closed, we still
never cease to work towards the productivity, safety,
conservation and improvement of the park. Therefore,
we seek your sincere thoughts to help us in maintaining
our flora and fauna through the following activities:
“Donate & Stay” - once the CMCO is lifted, you are
entitled for an overnight stay and free activities (Upon
bookings and availability up until end of December 2021).
“Do the Deed” – we will plant the trees on your behalf.
Your contribution matters and we appreciate your
generosity. You may visit our webpage or follow us
through our FB and IG page for more information.
DONATE ‘N’ STAYat Kuala Selangor Nature Park
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JOHOR BRANCH
https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianNat
ureSocietyJohor/
Chair Abbott Chong Ching Hua
Vice Chair Moses Wong ChooHooi
Secretary Belinda Wong MeiLang
KEDAH BRANCH
3 Jalan Timor 1, Kawasan Perusahaan
Mergong Barrage, 05150 Alor Setar,
Kedah
Chair Lt. Kol Husamuddin bin
Yaacob ; [email protected]
Vice Chair Mohamad Yani Madewnus
Secretary Phang FattKhow
KELANTAN BRANCH
204, Jln Sultan Yahya Petra, 15150 Kota
Bharu, Kelantan. [email protected]
Chair Nazahatul Anis Amaludin
Vice Chair Che Azman B Nawi
Secretary Wong Mei Lin
LANGKAWI BRANCH
Secretary
Acting Dato’ Alexander Issac
Chair [email protected].
my
Daisy Jeyarani A/P Samuel
daisy_samuel_2005@yahoo
.com
NEGERI SEMBILAN/ MELAKA BRANCH
Chair
Secretary
Vuthy Taing
Vice Chair Lim Ming Hui
Carol See Oi Kuan
PAHANG BRANCH
Chair
Vice
Chair
Noor Jehan Bt Abu Bakar
Bong Sze Wai
Secretary Chow Mee Foong
PENANG BRANCH
Nature Information Centre (NIC),
673-B Jalan Kebun Bunga,
10350 Penang. Tel: 013-4537992
Open Mon-Sat, 7.30am-11.30am (Call
before visiting)
Chair Tan Choo Eng
Vice Chair Tajul AroshBaroky
Secretary Beryl Nolan
DIRECTORYPERAK BRANCH
70 Jln Chan Chee Keong, Ipoh Garden
South, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Blog: [email protected]
Chair Leow Kon Fah
Vice Chair ZaharilDzulkafly
Secretary Georgia Tham Yim Fong
SABAH (KOTA KINABALU) BRANCH
Chair Anna Wong
Vice Chair JimmyOmar
[email protected] Lawrence Alan AnakBansa
SARAWAK (KUCHING) BRANCH
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Rose Au Nyat Jun
Asha Devi Kaushal
Audrey Dominic Neng
SELANGOR BRANCH
https://www.facebook.com/mnsselangorbr
anch
Chair Pasupathy Jayaraj
Secretary Grace Chin Haw Yiing
TERENGGANU BRANCH
Chair Wong Chee Ho
[email protected] Chair Nik Mohd Shibli B Nik Jaafar
Secretary James Tan ChunHong
SABAH (SANDAKAN) BRANCH
Chair Hatta B Yunus@Sawabi
Vice-Chair Ooi Chin Hock
Secretary Chong Ket VuiDusun
SARAWAK (MIRI) BRANCH
Blog: http://mnsmiri.blogspot.com
Chair Musa Musbah
Vice Chair Khuzaimi B Abdollah @ Abdullah
MNSHQ
JKR641,JalanKelantan,
Bukit Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
(just before the Seri Perdana turn-off on
JalanMahameru)
Open: Mondays – Fridays 9 am–5:30 pm
T:03-22879422F:03-22878773
[email protected] www.mns.my
Membership: LeongWeeChin
BRANCHCOMMITTEE 2019-2021
BRANCHCOMMITTEE 2017-2019
Secretary Achmed Azizie B Marzuki
Vice Chair Wong Ee Lynn
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